A cup of unsweetened grapefruit juice has about 95 calories, roughly the same as orange juice, and provides more than a full day of vitamin C. Calories rise with sweetened or “cocktail” versions. Grapefruit juice also interacts with many common medicines, which is the most important thing to know before drinking it regularly.
Quick answer: 1 cup (240 ml) of fresh grapefruit juice: about 95 kcal, 22 g carbohydrate, 18 g natural sugar and around 90 mg of vitamin C. Sweetened canned juice can have 115 kcal or more. Grapefruit juice can interact with statins, some blood pressure drugs and others, so check with your pharmacist.
Grapefruit Juice Calories and Nutrition
| Per 1 cup (240 ml) | Fresh / unsweetened | Sweetened canned |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | About 95 kcal | About 115–130 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | About 22 g | About 28 g |
| Sugars | About 18 g (natural) | About 25+ g |
| Vitamin C | About 90 mg (100% DV) | About 65–70 mg |
| Potassium | About 390 mg | About 400 mg |
Grapefruit Juice vs Other Juices
| Juice (1 cup) | Calories |
|---|---|
| Grapefruit (unsweetened) | About 95 |
| Orange | About 110 |
| Apple | About 115 |
| Pineapple | About 130 |
| Grape | About 150 |
| Tomato | About 40 |
What Affects the Calories?
- Added sugar: sweetened juice and “grapefruit cocktail” add 20–40 kcal per cup.
- Variety: pink and red grapefruit are slightly sweeter but similar in calories.
- Serving size: many restaurant glasses are 12–16 oz, which is 140–190 kcal.
Important: Grapefruit Juice and Medication
Grapefruit contains furanocoumarins that block an enzyme (CYP3A4) in the gut that breaks down many drugs. This can raise drug levels in your blood, sometimes dangerously. The effect lasts more than 24 hours, so spacing doses does not help. Drugs affected include some statins (such as simvastatin and atorvastatin), certain blood pressure medicines (such as felodipine and nifedipine), some anti-anxiety, anti-rejection and heart-rhythm drugs (FDA). Always check your medicine leaflet or ask your pharmacist.
Health Benefits
- Vitamin C: a cup meets the daily value, supporting immune function and iron absorption.
- Potassium: supports normal blood pressure.
- Pink and red varieties contain lycopene and beta-carotene.
- Weight: the popular “grapefruit diet” claim that grapefruit burns fat is not supported. Grapefruit juice is simply one of the lower-calorie fruit juices.
Tips to Cut Calories
- Choose 100% unsweetened juice or squeeze it fresh; see fresh grapefruit juice.
- Use a small 4–6 oz glass.
- Dilute with sparkling water.
- Eat half a grapefruit instead: about 50 kcal and 2 g of fiber.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in fresh grapefruit juice?
About 95 calories per cup (240 ml) for unsweetened juice.
Is grapefruit juice good for weight loss?
It is lower in calories than most fruit juices, but it does not burn fat. Whole grapefruit is more filling.
Which medications should not be taken with grapefruit juice?
Many, including some statins, calcium channel blockers and immunosuppressants. Ask your pharmacist about your specific medicines.
Is grapefruit juice good with gin?
It is a popular mixer. See gin and grapefruit juice.
